Police: Bus Driver Claimed To Have 6 Different Medications In System At Time Of Crash

LYONS, Colo. (CBS4) - The driver of a school bus, arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs after the bus she was driving crashed, appeared in court on Tuesday. Several students were injured in the crash.

The bus was headed west on Highway 7 in South St. Vrain Canyon after picking up students from Lyons High School at approximately 4 p.m. Monday.

The eight students on board all attend schools in the St. Vrain Valley School District.

Police said the driver, Elizabeth Burris, lost control about eight miles outside of town. The bus hit a mountainside and rolled over.

According to court documents, Burris, 39, told police she was on six different prescription medications. The investigator stated that Burris appeared to be drug impaired and did not perform voluntary roadside maneuvers as instructed.

In addition to Burris, who was injured, five students on board were taken to the hospital. Their ages range from 7 to 15, and two were described as having serious injuries. It's not clear how badly Burris was hurt.

Amanda Fillweber's two children were on the bus when it crashed. They decided to get back on the bus on Tuesday.

"I am a person who sees the best in people until proven guilty. I have to assume that that's something for her," said Filweber.

"My seat was on the opposite seat that the bus tipped on so I fell all the way down," said student Tyler Fillweber.

Burris told investigators she couldn't remember why the crash happened but said she drifted off the road and attempting to gain control, over-corrected.

Burris appeared in court on Tuesday on charges including child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury to a child, vehicular assault while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or both and careless driving causing bodily injury.

Her bond was set at $2,500. She has been placed in administrative leave and scheduled for another court appearance on Thursday.